MEL Digital Platforms: Linking & Automating Data Collection, Analysis & Reporting

The effective integration of MEL data – from collection, analysis to reporting – throughout the planning and implementation processes is critical for evidence-based decision-making. We have been advancing MEL by leveraging a data-driven approach and experimenting with digital tools that enhance automation. Rather than reinventing the wheel, we have developed a platform that can plug into existing (third-party) tools, allowing us to develop bespoke solutions that build off existing tools like PowerBI, Azure AI and data analysis tools.

MEL Digital Platforms:

Linking & Automating Data Collection, Analysis & Reporting

The effective integration of MEL data – from collection, analysis to reporting – throughout the planning and implementation processes is critical for evidence-based decision-making. We have been advancing MEL by leveraging a data-driven approach and experimenting with digital tools that enhance automation. Rather than reinventing the wheel, we have developed a platform that can plug into existing (third-party) tools, allowing us to develop bespoke solutions that build off existing tools like PowerBI, Azure AI and data analysis tools.

This innovative software integrates three core components that allow international cooperation projects to be monitored and/or evaluated:

  1. Data-Inputs: Supporting diverse sources such as online forms, Excel files, and connections to external tools (e.g., survey platforms).
  2. Data-Processing: Using extensive dynamic configuration and automation, any input data can be evaluated and transformed into a user-friendly database, accessible both online and in exported file formats.
  3. Data-Outputs: Delivering insights via Business Intelligence (BI) dashboards and customizable Excel exports.

Our platform’s high degree of standardization, automation, and configuration, combined with an integrated user and rights management system, ensures seamless workflows while maintaining security and accessibility. We have also been harnessing the use of generative AI tools.

Examples: Our MEL digital platforms in use drawing from a wide range of tools

Our platform was utilised in a recent programme funded by GIZ, which aimed to enable actors from fifteen countries to make gender-responsible contributions to the objectives of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM). Project staff used the tool to standardise and harmonise data collection for different types of activities across participating counties. Both client and delivery partners benefited from accessing information on programme implementation. Evidence was collated and analysed to understand progress towards meeting programme objectives in line with their reporting obligations and to support learning and course correction.

Using interactive dashboards to support the MEL of peace and security interventions

KoboToolbox and Microsoft BI are enhancing NIRAS expertise in data collection and evidence-based analyses adapted to crisis and post-conflict areas. Two recent examples from our projects’ portfolio illustrate the added value of this approach. The first is a French-funded initiative aiming to improve understanding of public perceptions on political change, stability and security across West Africa, Central Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. It focuses on different demographic groups over a three-year period (2023-2026). The second is a baseline study conducted by NIRAS for the World Bank and DRC’s STAR EST stabilisation programme a five-year initiative (2024-2029) promoting stability within conflict areas in Eastern DRC. In both cases, real-time analysis of data collected via KoboToolBox using Microsoft Power BI allowed the prompt resolution of flagged quality issues in collaboration with field supervisors, whilst secure access to the dashboards allowed key stakeholders to access real-time data and explore the verified results.

Developing secure Generative AI solutions to support MEL knowledge management

NIRAS developed a generative AI chatbot that can link directly to Microsoft SharePoint, allowing project staff to draw on documents and information stored across SharePoint sites. The tool utilises Microsoft’s Azure framework and other tools from the Microsoft Enterprise Ecosystem that conforms to the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) data security and privacy standards. The chatbot works by the AI first searching through the specified document/evidence base, finding relevant information and then answering any follow-up questions posed by the user. All responses are references, allowing the users to find the documents on SharePoint that were used in answering the questions. Initially designed for internal knowledge management, NIRAS’ chatbot tool has been successfully adapted for the Biodiversity Challenge Fund, a competitive grant scheme funded by Defra, which NIRAS has managed for over 20 years, and forms part of our MEL service offering the Just Transitions for Water Security Programme (FCDO, 2025-2029).

Claudia Rojas

Expert Profile: As a manager specialized in MEL Claudia’s work is grounded in a deep understanding of data-driven systems, having managed the design and development of IT-based solutions for processing and managing MEL data — including tools for field-level data collection and database applications.

Claudia Rojas

Expert Profile: As a manager specialized in MEL Claudia’s work is grounded in a deep understanding of data-driven systems, having managed the design and development of IT-based solutions for processing and managing MEL data — including tools for field-level data collection and database applications.